bristly

adjective

bris·tly ˈbris-lē

ˈbri-sə-

bristlier; bristliest

Synonyms of bristly

: thickly set with bristles

a bristly shrub

: consisting of or resembling bristles

a bristly mustache

: inclined to or showing aggressiveness or anger

a bristly temperament

Examples of bristly in a Sentence

although pigs look hairless, they're actually bristly creatures

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In deep money trouble with local mob boss Abu Rabih (Haytham Chamass), Hamza is all bristly nerves, always a hair’s breadth from falling apart, and, for the other characters and the audience alike, perhaps the riskiest element of the scheme. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 There are similarities between the two cities — hard-working people who can be bristly, but also kind and genuine. — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026 During the summer ski jumping season when competitors slide down ceramic or porcelain tracks and land on bristly plastic mats, the team tried to adjust to the new ski suit dimensions. — Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 Their typically bristly fur is peppered with shades of brown and gray, with a white underbelly. — Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bristly

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of bristly was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bristly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bristly. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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bristly

adjective

Synonyms of bristly

Examples of bristly in a Sentence

Word History

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